Carlos Prates isn't just focused on winning this weekend—he's determined to make a statement that can't be ignored. The Brazilian welterweight, known as "The Nightmare," steps into the Octagon against Jack Della Maddalena in the main event of UFC Perth, and he's already plotting his next move. For Prates, anything less than a title shot after this fight simply doesn't compute.

Coming off a brutal knockout of former champion Leon Edwards at UFC 322 last November, Prates believes back-to-back wins over ex-titleholders should seal his fate as the next contender for the welterweight belt. "The title shot is next," Prates told MMA Fighting. "Because I'm going to beat two former champs in a row. Nobody else did it. You have Morales, but he didn't beat any former champ. You have Ian Garry, he's fighting Makhachev now. So the next one is Carlos Prates."

The welterweight division is a logjam of hungry contenders right now, with Islam Makhachev awaiting his next title defense and names like Morales and Garry jockeying for position. Former champion Kamaru Usman has also thrown his hat in the ring after a decisive win over Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta. But when asked about a potential showdown with Usman, Prates dismissed the idea without hesitation. "No, it's going to be a title shot. No chance. After that fight, I'm just going to fight for the belt."

Then there's the wildcard in the 170-pound conversation: Ilia Topuria. The current lightweight champion and former featherweight titleholder has never fought at welterweight in the UFC, but that hasn't stopped the chatter. "El Matador" is set to defend his lightweight belt against interim champ Justin Gaethje in June, and if he wins, many expect him to vacate and move up to challenge Makhachev. Prates was asked how he'd feel watching Topuria leapfrog the entire welterweight contender line—and his response was pure gold. "It doesn't matter who jumps the line," Prates said with a smirk. "I'm coming for that belt, and I'll take out anyone they put in front of me. Let them all come."

For Prates, the message is clear: win on Saturday, and the title shot isn't just a possibility—it's a promise. The welterweight division better be ready, because "The Nightmare" is coming for the crown.